OCEANSIDE, California - Normal shark rules will be in place for the largest women's surfing contest in the world, the World Surf League 6-Star Paul Mitchell Supergirl Pro at Oceanside Pier this weekend.

Mick Fanning sat up on a high stool, straight backed and good humored, recounting the story he will be telling for the rest of his days, about how he fought off a shark with his bare hands during a surfing competition in South Africa.

JOHANNESBURG - A shark attacking a top surfer during a televised competition in South Africa captured the world's attention but the incident is not highly unusual. South Africa has an average of six shark attacks including one death each year.

JOHANNESBURG - Knocked off his board by an attacking shark, three-time world champion Mick Fanning punched the creature before escaping unharmed during the televised finals of a world surfing competition in South Africa on Sunday.